YouTube TV Price Increase Spurs Debate: Explore Cheaper Streaming Alternatives
3 min read
Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Starting in January 2025, YouTube TV will increase its subscription price by $10, bringing the monthly cost to $82.99. This marks a staggering 137% increase since its launch in 2017, when the service debuted at just $34.99 per month. The price hike, attributed to rising content costs and investments in service quality, has left subscribers questioning whether it’s still worth the cost.
Why the Price Increase?
YouTube TV informed users via email that the decision wasn’t made lightly. The service emphasized its commitment to offering features such as unlimited DVR storage, multiview options, and a wide range of on-demand content. However, with this being the second price hike in less than two years, many subscribers are frustrated, especially considering the rising cost of living in the United States.
The email stated:
“We don’t make these decisions lightly, and we realize this has an impact on our members. We are committed to bringing you features that are changing the way we watch live TV.”
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YouTube TV is now $82.99/month.
— Austin Rief ☕️ (@austin_rief) December 12, 2024
$1,000/year for live TV feels like a ripoff. pic.twitter.com/u30ROS6AAL
Internet Reactions to the Price Hike
The news sparked heated discussions online, with many users expressing disappointment and frustration:
“I’m probably canceling. When I subscribed, it was around $50. Now it’s getting close to cable prices,” one user wrote.
Another commented, “How are digital products getting more expensive? That’s literally the opposite of how they should work.”
A critic added, “Abuse of power. YouTube is part of Google’s wild monopoly.”
“YouTube seems to have a monopoly on live TV. What’s the alternative? Going back to cable?”
YouTube TV's monthly price has increased 137% since its debut:
— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) December 12, 2024
• 2017 $34.99
• 2019 $49.99
• 2022 $64.99
• 2023 $72.99
• 2025 $82.99 https://t.co/wV23gaQmPm
Cable providers seeing YouTube TV increase their prices again pic.twitter.com/NWYXfLgggf
— Conald Peterson (@WhyGarth) December 12, 2024
Alternatives to YouTube TV
If you’re looking for options that fit your budget or preferences, here are five popular live TV streaming alternatives:
- Hulu + Live TV
- Price: $70/month (ads), $76/month (no ads)
- Includes major networks and a robust content library.
- FuboTV
- Price: $75/month
- Best for sports enthusiasts, with regional sports networks and extensive sports coverage.
Advertisement - Sling TV
- Price: Starts at $25/month
- Offers flexible packages but may require add-ons for a full channel lineup.
- DirecTV Stream
- Price: $75–$90/month
- Comprehensive channel options and premium offerings.
- Philo
- Price: $25/month
- Budget-friendly but lacks major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.
As digital streaming services continue to raise prices, many subscribers feel the gap between streaming and traditional cable is shrinking. While YouTube TV’s robust features and content library remain attractive, the rising costs are forcing consumers to reevaluate their choices.
For those disheartened by the price hike, exploring alternatives like Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV could provide a cost-effective solution without compromising too much on content variety.
Me working a second job to pay for another YouTube TV price increase pic.twitter.com/YeERHtJinG
— Conald Peterson (@WhyGarth) December 12, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
